Geomechanics and Engineering

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Predicting soil-water characteristic curves of expansive soils relying on correlations

  • Ahmed M. Al-Mahbashi (Bugshan Research Chair in Expansive Soils, Dept. of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, King Saud Univ.) ;
  • Muawia Dafalla (Bugshan Research Chair in Expansive Soils, Dept. of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, King Saud Univ.) ;
  • Mosleh Al-Shamrani (Bugshan Research Chair in Expansive Soils, Dept. of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, King Saud Univ.)
  • Received : 2022.05.05
  • Accepted : 2023.05.11
  • Published : 2023.06.25
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Abstract

The volume changes associated with moisture or suction variation in expansive soils are of geotechnical and geoenvironmental design concern. These changes can impact the performance of infrastructure projects and lightweight structures. Assessment of unsaturated function for these materials leads to better interpretation and understanding, as well as providing accurate and economic design. In this study, expansive soils from different regions of Saudi Arabia were studied for their basic properties including gradation, plasticity and shrinkage, swelling, and consolidation characteristics. The unsaturated soil functions of saturated water content, air-entry values, and residual states were determined by conducting the tests for the entire soil water characteristic curves (SWCC) using different techniques. An attempt has been made to provide a prediction model for unsaturated properties based on the basic properties of these soils. Once the profile of SWCC has been predicted the time and cost for many tests can be saved. These predictions can be utilized in practice for the application of unsaturated soil mechanics on geotechnical and geoenvironmental projects.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

The authors extend their appreciation to the Deanship of Scientific Research, King Saud University, for funding this research through the Vice Deanship of Scientific Research Chairs, Research Chair of Bugshan Research Chair in Expansive Soils.

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